Simon Harris has become IBC’s new Divisional Services Manager, as the buying group looks to further expand its offering to independent merchants.

Harris’ experience includes managing relationships with buying groups and merchants across a number of industry suppliers, so he joins the business with an in-depth understanding of how becoming part of a dynamic buying group can be of significant benefit to independent merchants across the UK.

In his new role with IBC, Harris will be working closely with IBC’s Service partners to bring members a diverse selection of business-critical support solutions. This includes access to cost-effective and long-lasting support in areas such as White label/eCommerce, Health & Safety, transport solutions, marketing, Energy Consultancy and much more.

IBC says it is the first buying group of its kind to bring merchants such a diverse selection of service support solutions to help them with their everyday administrative tasks.

Harris commented: “For many years I have managed national accounts and buying groups within the construction industry and builders’ merchant sector, including companies such as WernerCo and UPM.

“When I first met Dave, Paul, and the IBC team I could see they have built something special and unique compared to other buying groups I have dealt with. It’s clear that they want to offer their members much more than just deals and rebates to be ‘more than a buying group’ to their members.

“For me, this is why they have become the fastest growing independent merchant buying group in the UK.

“I have already been warmly welcomed by everyone at IBC and I am very much looking forward to meeting with all IBC’s members and service partners over the coming months as we continue to grow these relationships.”